@raincat- That is very interesting! Thank you for posting. However, I think you might be looking way more into it than is necessary. :p It seems much too complicated to explain what happens in the drama. Remember, it is only a drama, not real history, even though it is based on actual events. The writers took creative liberties. That also includes their interprertation of reincarnation. I say this as someone who believes in reincarnation, myself. It is highly doubtful that the writers were striving for historical accuracy when it came to Buddhism. For one, besides the reincarnation aspect, it never factors in the story at all. I think it more likely that the writers used the modern interpretation of reincarnation here, since that is how it seemed the original writer used it. (As of now, I have only read to chapter 8 since the rest is not translated to English.) Yes, Buddhism plays a huge role when it comes to the belief of reincarnation, since it is a major part of the whole belief. But Buddhaism is not the only religion to believe in reincarnation, and if you want to really get into semantics, Buddhism is not even really a religion at all, but a way of life. (For example, it is possible to be Christain and Buddhist without either belief contradicting each other.) However, here in modern times, especially when it comes to books, movies and dramas, reincarnation as a theme has nothing at all to do with Buddhism or any belief, religious or otherwise. Instead, it is used to show the workings of fate and destiny, a romantic notion. Which is why I feel it is obvious about Baek Ah''s niece being the reincarnation. She has the name. She has the elephant. She has the same temper and even the same round face. :p It is her, chingu. It was added to show that he will eventually have happiness with his true love again. There is no need to line that scene up with historic fact or overthink it. It is just a little bit of happiness and twist of fate to an otherwise sad ending. :p
Of course, you are still free to believe as you will, since it was a semi open ending there. I am just telling you my thoughts on it, too. I have really enjoyed discussing it with you, chingu. You have brought up many things some people may not have thought about before, especially the historical facts. (*^_^*)